Australia is a melting pot of culture and food, and because of this, it has become the home of many incredible, world-class restaurants. If you are visiting the sandy Aussie shores, here are a few of the best spots to enjoy an unforgettable meal. 

Quay

First on the list is a place that serves up fresh produce, exceptional creations, and plenty of dark alcohol spirits. Quay is world-renowned in the culinary world, and after your first bite, you will instantly know why it is one of the go-to spots in Sydney. 

With dock views, walls covered in art, and a six or eight-course menu that will take you on a journey of Australian and international delights, one dinner at Quay is a must for any visitor. 

Faro

Found in the Mona Museum in Hobart, Faro is famed for its innovative and ever-changing menus, as well as the surprise entertainment you may get to experience. The beautiful surroundings and the dining room are matched by the exceptional food. 

Inspired by European fine dining, you can expect Spanish food with a twist, all made with the freshest ingredients and seafood that was caught just outside the window. 

Rick Shores

Found in Queensland, Rick Shores may not be a restaurant many visitors may know of, but Gold Coast locals know all too well how great the food is. You can enjoy stunning beach views, friendly staff, and some of the best Australian wines. 

As for the food, the pan-Asian menu takes you on a journey far and wide, which includes kingfish sashimi, oysters with a Thai vinaigrette, and red duck and smoked pork curries. Not to mention their famous friend bug rolls, which are a must and almost a rite of passage when visiting Rick Shores. 

Attica

Found in the bustling metropolis of Melbourne, Attica is a fine-dining restaurant that has won several awards since it opened, and regularly features on Australia’s Top 50 Best Restaurant lists, with its most regular position being at the number 1 spot. 

It serves modern Australian cuisine, Attica prides itself on quality and precision, where there is no such thing as a mistake. If you want a true Australian culinary experience with a massive dose of luxury and sophistication, then Attica is the place for you. 

Saint Peter

Saint Peter, found in Sydney, has made a name for itself by promoting sustainability with its ingredient choices, without sacrificing taste. With a focus on seafood, their menu changes daily, allowing their chefs to cook with the best and freshest fish and shellfish. 

Another thing you will notice is how simple the plates of food are, championing the main ingredient with only adding what extras that can enhance it further. While the prices may seem expensive, you 100% get bang for your buck and an incredible experience to boot. 

Raku

Raku is a Japanese-themed restaurant in Canberra that brings you the most delicious sushi, sashimi, rabatayaki, and a plethora of other Japanese and Australian/Japanese fusion dishes, plus an extensive and mouth-watering cocktail menu. 

While there are a few smaller dishes to choose from, the best option is to go for the opulent tasting menu, as well as the matching wine menu. Many regulars will tell you that this is the best spot in Australia for sushi and sashimi, and after the first bite, you will find it hard to disagree. 

Gimlet at Cavendish House

Constantly ranked in the Top 50 best restaurants in Australia, The Gimlet is a fine-dining Melbourne institution. Inspired by the glitz and glam of 20th-century Chicago, the Gimlet balances the sophistication of a fine-dining restaurant with a homely feel you won’t be able to get enough of. 

The Gimlet is all about the classics, whether it is Muscovy Duck or the tastiest, juiciest tomahawk steak you have ever laid your eyes on. The food speaks for itself here, with no frills or fuss taking away from any part of it. 

Sounds of Silence

Sounds of Silence is a truly unique dining experience. Taking place in the desert under the stars, it is a 5-hour long adventure that includes delicious food, even better drinks, and a night of activities. 

As for the food, you can enjoy a three-course bush tucker meal, including canapes, entrees, salads, and desserts, with the main course being made from indigenous ingredients right in front of you. 

Pilot

For a more intimate experience, Pilot is a 30-seater fine-dining restaurant with a focus on Australian ingredients and history. With very reasonable prices, you can enjoy fresh seafood, local meats, vegetables, and a calm, quiet ambiance that is very tough to match. 

What will stand out the most is the wide variety of tastes and flavors, with each course giving you a brand-new experience. 

Such and Such

Such and Such is taking Canberra by storm. The younger sister restaurant of Pilot, Such and Such, is all about flavor explosions, whether it be steak tartare, anchovy and sage cruller, or fried prawn cutlets with a tzatziki-like tartare sauce. 

Plus, the eccentric and exceptionally diligent staff will keep you comfortable and happy for your entire meal, ensuring you aren’t left wanting for anything.